NAMDOCK

A LEADER IN THE WEST AFRICAN SHIP REPAIR MARKET

NAMDOCK

SHIPPING IN AFRICA We examine a leading force in West Africa’s ship repair market, NAMDOCK, and uncover how it is delivering first-class service despite the disruption of COVID-19 Writer: Sean Galea-Pace | Project Manager: Lewis Bush

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AMDOCK is recognised as a leader in the West African ship repair market, specialising in marine and industrial engineering.

Based in the Port of Walvis Bay, NAMDOCK is committed to offering safe, quality, reliable facilities and services, and innovative solutions to its clients. The company strives for delivering with speed and efficiency, and has a track record of consistency and reliability within Africa.

NAMDOCK’s stakeholders are fully engaged in the aim of a common goal – boosting its global competitiveness through sustainable organic growth whilst generating more value to all stakeholders involved. The organisation operates a highly efficient shipyard that includes three floating docks with a combined capacity of 30,000 tonnes, seven cranes, 1 x 60T floating crane, with fully equipped onsite workshops.

A BRIEF HISTORY NAMDOCK was founded in 2005 by the Namibian parliament for all drydock repairs and maintenance on large vessels within the Walvis Bay harbour. The business was established to support locals and create jobs while increasing employment across Namibia. It currently operates three dry docks where vessels are parked 2 | Africa Outlook issue 88

and then anchored to receive multiple repairs, from propulsion work through to carpentry. Today, the firm employs 700 staff and subcontracts work to more than 3,000 people at any one time.

NAMDOCK’S HIGHLY SKILLED PROFESSIONALS NAMDOCK employs highly skilled professionals dedicated to the following trades:

• Valves • Rigging • Piping • Coatings • Mechanical • Machining • Fabrication • Carpentry • Electrical • Propulsion

NAMDOCK’S SHAREHOLDERS Namibia Drydock and Ship Repair is a strategic, mutually beneficial partnership between the Nambian government and the private sector, which provides the international shipping and local industry with a full house capacity in all aspects of ship repair.

NAMPORT In a joint collaboration in 2006, NAMPORT, Namibia’s National Port Authority, and NAMDOCK, Namibia

SUPPLY CHAIN

Drydock and Ship Repair, worked together to increase Namibia’s capacity in the ship repair industry. Its primary aim is to intensify ship repair activities that could boost job creation and the economic development of Walvis Bay. As the majority shareholder in Namibia Drydock and Ship Repair, NAMPORT remains aligned with its mission to contribute to the success of its customers through continuous development of its capacities, technical competencies and motivated workplace.

The National Ports Authority of Namibia (NAMPORT) is a key shareholder (52.5 percent) of NAMDOCK. In this role, Namport: • Manages the port facilities to cater for current trade needs.

• Develops the ports for future demands.

• Contributes to the competitiveness of the SADC’s region’s trade through the efficient, reliable and costeffective supply of port services.

• Facilitates economic growth in Namibia by enabling regional

development and cross-border trade.

• Promotes the Ports of Walvis Bay and Luderitz as preferred routes for sea-borne trade between SADC, Europe and the Americas.

• Assists with developing cross-border trade as the founding architects of the Walvis Bay Corridor Group.

• Minimises the impact of port operations on the natural environment by applying International Organisation Standardisation ISO 14001.

• Uplifts and support the communities in which it operates.

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NAMDOCK EBH CONSORTIUM (EBHC) EBH Consortium purchased 47.5 percent minority shareholding in NAMDOCK from the DCD Group in 2018. The EBH Consortium consists of several captains of industry possessing a framework built on a sound formation of extensive years of knowledge and experience. These capabilities include: • Marine, mining and industrial engineering.

• Marine salvaging and waste management.

• High-end steel and pipe fabrication work skills on the boiler maintenance and oil and gas industries.

• Logistics, agency, and freight clearing and forwarding.

• Specialises in the provision of repair, maintenance and operation services, fabrication and installation, upgrades and conversions to the marine, oil and gas, and industrial markets worldwide.

• Welding of hull structures, steam boiler, pressure vessel and pipelines.

• Naval architecture and new buildings.

Walvis Bay is Namibia’s largest commercial port and has direct access to principal shipping routes while acting as a natural gateway for international trade.

Walvis Bay provides sheltered, deep water anchorage enhanced by temperate weather conditions, easy access by road and air, easy visa regime for visitors, and good telecommunications, road, and financial infrastructure.

Walvis Bay provides several advantages over other Southern African ports, while being significantly closer to vast West Coast oilfields.

Walvis Bay is considered a key part of the Walvis Bay Corridor Group which has made it an ideal port of entry to the leading trade route in southern Africa.

FUTURE GROWTH Namibia Drydock and Ship Repairs maintain a robust competitive advantage, ranging from instant market penetration to the elimination of potential competitors through steady growth. The acquisition

NAMDOCK’S COVID-19 APPROACH Throughout the pandemic, NAMDOCK has operated as a multipurpose business and provided a repair service across the healthcare industry, repairing beds, cupboards, and providing isolation centres for COVID-19 patients.

NAMDOCK is investing heavily on supporting the local employment and providing work and training across the maritime sector. There are three projects in operation at any one time, with each project having a two-tothree-week turnaround period.

Following the lockdowns and restrictions put in place at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, NAMDOCK resumed full operation in June 2020.

The company began to undertake extensive research into recommended COVID-19 mitigation measures and is taking every precaution to ensure the safety of its clients, employees and service providers. The organisation introduced a comprehensive COVID-19 response plan, in tandem with recommendations by the Namibian Ministry of Health and Social Services, and the World Health Organisation (WHO).

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Logistics Support Services Our service offering spectrum includes, however is not limited to Ships Agency and Ships Husbandry Services, International Freight Forwarding, Warehousing, Cargo Services, Project Logistics, and Consultancy.

As a one-stop shop, Logistics Support Services (Pty) Ltd can be relied on to take care of any requirements.

We are focused on service delivery and we understand how crucial turnaround time is for our clients.

We are passionate about delivering excellent and on-time service in the most cost effective and efficient way.

By understanding your needs and wants through intelligent analysis of the best methodologies, we provide a customised solution that fits both your financial and delivery needs.

www.lssnamibia.com

and consequent shareholding of shares by EBH Consortium ensures Namibia Drydock and Ship Repairs’ sustainable growth, and adds greater value for the company and its shareholders.

Namibia Drydock and Ship Repair has gained access to a new pool of resources which will add value to the company, as well as maximising the realisation of opportunities for further expansion.

The value proposition that Namibia Drydock and Ship Repair offers its customers are well aligned with the customer focused culture that its main stakeholders cultivate and drive.

Upon investing in research and development, innovation and skills, as well as leveraging its strategic alliances, Namibia Drydock and Ship Repair seeks to solidify its position as the ship repair firm of choice on Africa’s west coast and accelerate its international competitiveness.

SUPPLY CHAIN

Logistics Support Services (Pty) Ltd

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RITC Namibia

Walvis Bay is the one to call.

Established in 2013 with over 25 years’ experience in the marine safety equipment service and supply industry.

Raysonics Inspection Testing & Certication Kelso Park Workshop no. 10 | 12th Street East Industrial | P. O. Box 4551, Walvis Bay, Namibia | ivolene@ritcnam.com | +264 81 124 5307

WE SPECIALIZE IN:

With a core business involving the service of Lifeboats, Davits, Rescue boats and Inflatable boats additional services and products are also offered.

SAFETY EQUIPMENT

MARINE SAFETY AND FIRE-FIGHTING

ACR EQUIPMENT

OIL SPILL KITS & EQUIPMENT

Ndt & Class Survey | Offshore NDT & Intransit Surveys | Nuclear & Industrial NDT | Hardness Testing | Vacuum Box Testing | Radiographic Testing | Corrosion Surveys | Project Quality Engineering | Quality Assurance | Third Party Inspections | Welding Inspection | Hydrostatic Pressure Testing of Vessel and Piping Systems Pressure Vessel Design & Certication.

Mr. Jan Bekker | Mob: +264 81 150 1632 | info@marinelifeboat.com Mr. George Bekker | Mob: +264 81 693 2499 | george@marinelifeboat.com

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PRODUCED BY AFRICA OUTLOOK MAGAZINE